How much longer can the Steelers extend their unbeaten streak?
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 season with a sense of cautious optimism. After securing a 10-7 record in 2023 and extending Mike Tomlin’s streak of non-losing seasons to 17 years, they faced significant challenges that threatened Tomlin’s consistency.
The Steelers have started the 2024 season 3-0, including two road victories. Yet question marks remain about their overall ability to compete for a playoff spot, especially in a highly competitive AFC. Their road to success appears fraught with hurdles, including offensive struggles, stiff competition, and a defense tasked with carrying a heavier load than ever.
Defensive Prowess: The Foundation of Success
The Steelers’ defense has long been their backbone, and this remains true in 2024. Their defensive unit, led by an elite pass rusher in T.J. Watt and the versatile Minkah Fitzpatrick, has been essential in their first three victories. Through Week 3, the Steelers have allowed only 8.6 points per game, the lowest in the league. They are also number one in total yards and first downs allowed.
Watt, already considered one of the league’s premier defensive players, continues to lead by example. His relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks and ability to disrupt plays have cemented his place as a defensive cornerstone. After three weeks, Watt is already making a case for Defensive Player of the Year consideration, recording multiple sacks and forcing key turnovers in crucial moments.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, the leader in the secondary, brings both versatility and intelligence to the field. Fitzpatrick’s ability to cover a wide range of positions—from deep safety to slot cornerback—allows the Steelers to disguise their coverages and force opponents into making mistakes. With the addition of linebacker Patrick Queen, who has bolstered the run defense and improved pass coverage, Pittsburgh’s defense is even more formidable this year.
However, it’s not just the star players who are making an impact. Key role players, including young linebackers and cornerbacks, are stepping up, allowing the Steelers to rotate their defensive lineup without compromising efficiency. With such depth, the defense is likely to continue anchoring the team, much like how the Slotozen casino has been a consistent performer for those seeking reliable and immersive gaming experiences.
Offensive Struggles: Searching for a Rhythm
While the Steelers’ defense remains a strength, their offense tells a very different story. The hiring of former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator remains a work in progress. Smith’s unit has struggled to find consistency through the first few weeks of the season, but put together a strong effort in each win, doing just enough to allow the defense to be the team’s strength.
Two new quarterbacks are under center in Smith’s new offense. Justin Fields, who stepped in as the starter due to veteran Russell Wilson’s early-season calf injury, has had mixed performances. Although his athleticism and mobility have brought a new dimension to the Steelers’ offense, several key penalties and missed opportunities have hindered their ability to score.
In fact, Fields has had over 100 passing yards and a touchdown nullified by penalties. That would improve the numbers of an offense averaging just 4.6 yards per play.
The passing game came alive on Sunday against a top Chargers defense. Calvin Austin III made a huge 55-yard touchdown play that saw Justin Fields have one of his best games of his young career, throwing for that score and rushing for another while passing for 245 yards.
The offensive line has been in flux but has largely held together despite featuring rookies and first-time starters such as Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu (now on injured reserve) and Spencer Anders. Second-year tackle Broderick Jones was largely criticized for three penalties during the same series against the Denver Broncos but played a clean game against LA.
Tough Road Ahead: Key Matchups And Predictions
With Fields improving week-to-week and Russell Wilson healing up, the Steelers may have unexpectantly struck it rich at the quarterback position, further helping their odds of maintaining their current three-game win streak.
However, the Steelers face a daunting upcoming schedule, with six divisional matchups in the last eight weeks of the season, as well as tough opponents like the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets. For a team with playoff aspirations, each of these games could be crucial in determining their postseason fate.
In Week 4, Pittsburgh will travel to face the Indianapolis Colts, a team that has shown promise but remains inconsistent. With Fields or Wilson at quarterback and the defense performing at an elite level, the Steelers should be able to control the pace of this game. If the offense can continue limiting their mistakes, this should be a winnable game for Pittsburgh.
Facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 will be one of the Steelers’ toughest challenges of the season. The Cowboys’ explosive offense, led by Dak Prescott and a dominant receiving corps, could put immense pressure on the Steelers’ defense. In this game, Pittsburgh’s offense will need to show significant improvement, as relying solely on their defense may not be enough against one of the NFL’s best offensive units.
However, what we saw this weekend with the Baltimore Ravens offense pounding the Cowboys defense on the road may be a blueprint for beating Dallas. Arthur Smith’s offense is built to similarly pound opposing defenses with the run game. This could be Pittsburgh’s first “L” on the calendar, but being played at Acrisure Stadium could benefit the Steelers.
The Steelers have three more games before their bye week, traveling to the Las Vegas Raiders, then hosting back-to-back primetime games against the New York Jets and New York Giants. The Raiders and Giants are considered among the worst teams in the NFL at this point, and the Jets are a “TBD” with QB Aaron Rodgers. The Jets have the best shot of knocking off the Steelers, should they enter that game 6-0.
If Pittsburgh should win out, they would enter their bye week 8-0.
Following the bye, the Steelers travel in Week 9 to Washington to face a young Commanders team led by rookie Jayden Daniels. The Commanders embarrassed the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, but it should be considered that the Bengals have one of the lesser performing defenses in the league.
The Steelers’ first divisional matchup of the season comes in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens. This bitter rivalry is always unpredictable, but the Steelers’ defense has traditionally excelled against Lamar Jackson. Jackson is 2-4 against the Steelers, with a 2018 victory seeing him play a backup role behind Joe Flacco.
If Watt and the defense can limit Jackson’s mobility and force turnovers, Pittsburgh could pull off a crucial divisional win and potentially improve to 10-0. While a 10-0 start seems improbably, Mike Tomlin’s 2020 team started their season 11-0 until health protocols changed their schedule and injuries mounted. Could the Steelers be in for a similar surge? Only time will tell.
Can the Steelers Continue Their Non-Losing Season Streak?
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is more than capable of carrying the team through the regular season, but their offensive struggles could prove to be a significant roadblock. With key divisional matchups and playoff contenders ahead, Pittsburgh must find offensive consistency if they hope to continue Mike Tomlin’s remarkable streak of non-losing seasons.
The season is still young, and there are reasons to be hopeful. If the team can clean up penalties, solidify their offensive line, and allow either Fields or Wilson to develop chemistry with their receiving corps, the Steelers could position themselves for a postseason run.
However, if the offense continues to falter, Pittsburgh may find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. Either way, the Steelers’ 2024 campaign promises to be a thrilling, high-stakes journey for the players and fans alike.
